Opening Statements Delivered In Seth Fontenot Trial

The Seth Fontenot case is now underway as open statements were delivered this afternoon immediately following the completion of the jury selection process.

The jury consisting of 11 women and 3 men listened to the Assistant District Attorney J. N. Prather and Fontenot’s attorney, Thomas Guilbeau, deliver opening statements before adjourning on Wednesday.

Fontenot is facing a first-degree murder charge for the shooting death of of 15-year-old Austin Rivault and two attempted first-degree murder charges for shooting two other juveniles in that occurred in Lafayette in February 2013.

Prather told the jury it should be prepared to see and hear medical, forensic, and eyewitness evidence that will show Fontenot targeted the juveniles, who the defense says were allegedly attempting to break into Fontenot's truck near his home.

Guilbeau retorted with his opening statement saying,"Had the juveniles not been in the wrong place at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing, we wouldn't be here today.

The trial will proceed Thursday morning at 9:15 at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse.